Spring Intern Review

It was a high quality insight. We were well received by HR and employees from day one. The other interns were all friendly. We could ask all the questions we wanted, we met a lot of worlds and the employees took the time to teach us concrete things that will serve in our future career. The different sessions were, in my opinion, well thought out and arranged. There are of course some things to change for the next few years (such as the structure and time allocated to the preparation of the project for a certain division or the hotel chosen ...) but in general, I really appreciated this week.

I felt valued in the sense that the hotel, the travel and the dinner are refunded. Secondly the content of the spring was very dense (7 hours of work shadowing, presentations, workshops, networking sessions, privileged discussions with md, svp, vp, heads), there was a real desire to teach things and to make us discover a company. Thirdly, the members of an organization of which I am a part, had exclusive sessions to help them in their development.

Having a technical background is useful but it is not necessary, what was taught, I had already more or less learned at the university. However, being in such an environment and having so many opportunities to talk with employees and look at them in their work is quite exceptional. This will not help me in my studies but well beyond my career. The workshops and case studies give a more concrete idea of what is needed in a company and it is very useful.

There were many sessions, things to do and see, places to go. Seven hours of work shadowing, time for projects, outings, panels, workshops ... Different rooms to manage for thirty students ... And yet the insight was very well structured and the organization perfect. We did not have any problems with the schedule as we were given everything the first day and these were accurate and well done.

It was relaxing most of the time. Employees were nice and approachable, HR were as well, everyone greeted us. Moreover other interns were friendly, it is the spring I laughed the most. Of course, everyone want to convert, so sometimes some talked a lot or asked very technical questions that most don't understand, but I did not feel a fierce competition and people on my division were cool. Except for the Wifi at the hotel, everything was fine.

Many work shadowing hours, exclusive sessions and a mentor for some members, workshops, case studies, panels. It is very intense but they wanted to be sure we learned a lot, understood everything we need to succeed at Jefferies and what we can expect for a summer internship. We could ask any questions any time as well and some employees answer to emails very fast.

During the case study, I understood what terms I have to master and where to look in documents to solve problems. The stock pitching on the last day helped me to understand the role of a Sale and its difficulty. With the work shadowing sessions I had the opportunity to observe many desks and spoke with many people. The Analyst panel taught me what a typical day looked like. II understand more clearly what it would be like to have a full time role but since I did not use the tools myself and did not have any tasks to do, I'm not sure of the difficulty if the role or it is something strategic enough for me.

Without this insight I would have never heard of Jefferies, it's not a brand name from where I come. You can not learn about the culture side of Jefferies if you don't do this type of programme, the entrepreneurial culture prevents the firm from being too big (at the moment) and you don't have many resources on internet. You have no idea of the atmosphere and the type of employees you might encounter, so the insight is very helpful to understand the company culture.

I still hesistate between what it the best path for me, I need a summer internship to be sure. But I know a lot more than before the spring week. In my division I discovered many desks, talked with employees and Iunderstood more or less what they do all day. I saw what desks I would fit the best and what I would not like to do. I also learned what kind of tools they use and what concepts and terms I need to master to succeed in their role. This is the practice side missing at university.

The train journey, the evening meal during the stay and the hotel, not far from the offices, are normally reimbursed. I do not know if other types of expenses will be (like what was useful and the hotel did not have, a plug adaptater for example). The process takes less than a month.

Many opportunities to meet employees from day one. We were welcomed by the Global HR and the Head of Sales the first day, then personally I attended 3 networking sessions and had 7 hours work shadowing sessions on 2 differents floors and 5 desks. In addition to an an analyst panel and 3 privilegied sessions with MDs and Heads.

Interesting and long. Most of the employees are very experienced and have come to a higher level, so they have a lot to share. Every employee is willing to help and answer your question. There are enough employees for everyone to network. Food and drinks during the networking sessions were also pretty good.

I found out about diversity initiatives that some employees are part of. Jefferies for Ethnic Minority and Jefferis for Women, they do events, mentoring etc. I spoke with a MD during one of the networking event and learnt what he liked to do outside of work. Otherwise, I don't remember we talked abour volunteering or social events for employees.

Of course. It is five day of learning and networking. We have learned a lot of things that we will never see in university, technical things (work shadowing and workshop, case study) as well fit things (personal brand, soft skills to succeed etc). We met other cool interns and nice employees and will keep good memories. There are not many negative things in this insight, I think personnaly it is one of the best insight week. It was a long insight, in a good and friendly atmosphere where we learnt and networked a lot.